Newsletter

STOP PRESS!

Easter already! The
daffodils have already finished, the azaleas, rhododendrons and
camellias are coming into their own, anemones and violets are popping up
all along
Pan’s walk and the drive is lined with primroses. Already the bluebells
are muscling in on the act and before we have time to breathe summer
will be on us.

There are a few sad gaps in the garden though. The
sharp winter – unusual
for us – has left several of the older and more exotic plants damaged
or dead, including a glorious fremontedendron on the wall of the
Privy Garden and several tree ferns in the oriental woodland walk.
On the other hand,
Geoffrey sees this as another chance to plant and enlarge the beds,
so they will not be missed for long.

Peafowl eyeing the redcurrants

The potager is undergoing
a radical clear out, too. Several beds have lain fallow for a couple
of years and are now being cleared
and planted with herbs and vegetables for the summer. We are particularly
looking
forward to having sorrel for soup and borage for Pimms again! And,
as you can see, the peafowl already have their eyes on the redcurrant
bushes in
the fruit cage.

The house is all clean and bright and waiting
for new guests and we are proud to announce that once again Kilmichael
is to be
an AA Red Star hotel and Inspector’s choice for 2011.
Similarly we have received VisitScotland’s Gold Award and
our self catering cottages are still firmly in the five star category.
Moreover, the cottages won a gold medal
for design at the Scottish Hotel Awards (see
accolades!), so all in all, we feel
just a little bit proud of ourselves and our staff.

The new Chinese aviary

Speaking
of staff, Helen is back from her extended trip to foreign parts
and our two waiters, Rastislav and Imrich, are
joining us for another year. Imrich’s handiwork beyond the Dining
Room can be seen in the glorious Chinese Aviary, which is now complete
with gilded
dragons and temple bells and boasts its first occupants, a pair
of very superior quail!

Well, time is getting on and we can almost
hear the garden growing.
The wild garlic is almost at the door and it won’t
turn into soup by itself.

We really look forward to welcoming old
friends and
new acquaintances to Kilmichael.